MS HB959

Creates a 26-member Mississippi Study Committee on School Safety to review and recommend improvements to school safety in the state's public schools.

Membership includes state education officials, law enforcement representatives, school administrators and teachers, parents, school board members, and legislative education committee chairs appointed by various state entities and the Governor.

Committee must hold its first meeting by August 1, 2013, and shall evaluate existing safety audits, recommend protocol improvements, study armed security and armed teachers on campuses, and examine state laws and regulations for safety gaps.

Committee members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses; the State Department of Education must provide staff support and state agencies must cooperate with the committee upon request.

Committee must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2014, at which time it will be dissolved.